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Accomplished Scoutmaster of Troop 267 passes baton

Troop 267, Fredonia

Fredonia’s Boy Scout Troop 267 recently held a farewell Court of Honor and Picnic to honor Scoutmaster Chris Eichmann as he passed the baton to new Scoutmaster Thomas Annear.

A Navy veteran and airline pilot, Eichmann first served as Troop 267 Scoutmaster from 1993-2000, during which time both of his sons earned the highest rank in scouting, Eagle. In 2010, he became Scoutmaster again, serving until August 2017, making a total of 14 years as Scoutmaster. In his last seven, he oversaw 13 boys attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He has taken boys to summer camp every year, in addition to monthly weekend camping, and occasional High Adventure camping. He has led groups of Scouts to High Adventure trips to Algonquin in Canada, to The Summit in West Virginia, to the 2017 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit, and twice to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He has received the Allegheny Highlands Council Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service, and the 34 years of Scout Service Star Award.

The Troops also bid a thankful farewell to three other adult leaders. Pete Brown served 11 years in various positions, most recently as Advancement Coordinator. Treasurer Larry Fiorella is ending six years of service as troop Treasurer. His exemplary budget records have been used as a template for other troops in the council. Also passing the baton is teacher Todd Huber, who served as Quartermaster, and helped to begin Troop 267’s Shooting Program with the Northern Chautauqua Rifle and Pistol Club. All of these men have stayed after their respective sons earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Troop 267 is very grateful for the service that these four men have given.

The Court of Honor ceremony began with Senior Patrol Leader Joseph Bowers leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Walt Sedlmayer shared the invocation, and Committee Chairman Vince Vecchio welcomed the Scouts and their families.

Through dedication and diligence Troop 267 won the 2017 American Legion Troop of the Year Award for New York State. Ron Bouquin from American Legion Post 59, the Troop’s charter organization, presented the Troop with the plaque.

75 merit badges and rank advancements were given out by new Scoutmaster Thomas Annear of Fredonia. Five boys received the rank of Tenderfoot: Tim Field, Michael Holt, Billie Lanski, Cortland Lehnen, and Lenieth Velez-Olmo. Alex Cooley and Jacob Sullivan advanced to First Class Scout. The rank of Star was given to Matt Brown and Hunter Noody. Life Scout, the rank just below Eagle, was awarded to Alex Field, Jacob Thompson, Sam Tuggy, and Ledreth Velez-Olmo.

The National Outdoor Award was awarded to Joseph Bowers, Alex Field, Carson Kuzdal, Justin Powell, Zack Walnicki, and Sam Tuggy. 100 Days and Nights of Camping was awarded to Zach Dawley and Brandon Powell. This summer at Camp Merz Chris Annear, Michael Holt and Jacob Thompson earned the BSA Snorkeling Award in Chautauqua Lake. Five year Service Stars were given to Jon Banach, Jordan Cooley, and JJ Tuggy, and Senior Patrol Leader Joseph Bowers installed the new officers, the Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders.

Troop 267 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at Memorial Post 59, 156 E. Main St. in Fredonia, and is open to all boys who are at least 11 years of age or have completed the fifth grade. The Scouts maintain a website that can be found with a simple search, and can also be found on Facebook. Information about joining Scouting is also at beascout.scouting.org.

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